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In the past decade the popularity of this and other relatives of the African violet has spread fast and furiously. In semi-sunny windows, under fluorescent lights, and in greenhouses, baskets spilling over with leaf-laden stems and tubular red-and-yellow flowers are an increasingly familiar spectacle. Florists are using the plant as a pure foliage blender in combination planters, where the perfectly shaped and neatly set leaves present a pleasing pattern even without flowers. They should be equally effective in outdoor planters and containers, as long as they are protected against hot sun and wind.

A fascinating feature of the Aeschynanthus is the way the flowers develop. First, at intervals along the stem and from the tips, appear clusters of long, slender, lustrous dark “trumpets.” This is merely the calyx, the outer circle of the flower, and the brilliant bloom is still forming inside. When the blunt end of the brilliant-red folded petals first emerges, there is unmistakable resemblance to the working end of a lipstick. Later, when the flower opens, it protrudes at least twice the length of the calyx, with a wide-open “dragon’s mouth” through which you can see into a throat often spotted or streaked with a contrasting color. Seed pods look like long, whipping tails.

For full flowering these plants need more sunlight than, for example, African violets. With enough light at least one species (Aeschynanthus pulcher) will bloom intermittently throughout the year. Soil should be light, porous, fairly rich in organic matter, and kept constantly moist. Warmth (65degrees or higher) and humidity are important so the buds will not blast or the leaves dry on the edges.

Flowers are produced (and stand upright) on ripened stems; so don’t expect bloom until the plant begins to mature, and don’t prune heavily when that time approaches. Many of the most desirable varieties are naturally epiphytic (air-growing) and thrive in a moss-lined wire hanging basket, or any porous container filled with osmunda fiber. After flowering, cut the plants back and rest them briefly, keeping the soil or fiber fairly dry and withholding fertilizer.

Propagation is by seeds, or stem cuttings of firm new growth in spring or summer. Keep the cuttings warm and humid while rooting. Pot several to one basket for a faster, fuller display. Leaf cuttings will produce new plants, but slowly.

Aeschynanthus javanicus – Fairly new to cultivation; growth compact, brilliant-red flowers marked with gold.

Aeschynanthus lobbianus – Thick, waxy, purplish-green leaves; scarlet trumpet flowers with yellow throats. This species is distinguished by the near-black calyx.

Aeschynanthus longillorus – Extra-long, red flowers that keep their mouths closed.

Aeschynanthus marmoratus (zebrinus) – Heavy green leaves mottled with a network of chocolate-red; tubular green-and-brown flowers.

Aeschynanthus parasiticus (grandiflorus) – Fiery flowers with black markings; another new introduction.

Aeschynanthus pulcher – Best-known and most-grown species with large scarlet flowers, smooth green or bronzy-green calyx.

Aeschynanthus speciosus – Four-inch orange-red flowers on freely branching stems.

Family: Gesneriaceae
Common Names: Lipstick Vine, Lobb’s Basket Vine